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Construction, demolition and excavation waste (inert)

An estimated average of 80 million tonnes of inert construction, demolition and excavation waste is created each year in England and Wales. Much of this waste, around 44 million tonnes, is processed into aggregates (for example, sub-base for roads) but uncertainty around the point at which it is fully recovered means substantial volumes retain their waste classification. Some therefore remain regulated under the European Waste Framework Directive (EWFD), necessitating waste management controls.

Through the Waste Protocols Project we are undertaking a five year review of the  previously-produced quality protocol (see below). We want to ensure it remains up-to-date with changes in Aggregate Standards and Environmental Permitting Regulations so that processors can continue to apply a quality management system that produces aggregates meeting customer specifications and clearly demonstrates recovery from waste.

What are the benefits?

The quality protocol for aggregates is currently in review, and there are as yet only limited qualified statistics. We know, however, that some businesses producing aggregates may be handling these as wastes and may be subject to potentially unnecessary regulation. We are also confident that, through the review of the quality protocol and the dissemination of good practice in its application, we will be able to increase the output of fully-recovered, quality-controlled aggregates. This will increase customer confidence in recycled materials, divert further quantities away from landfill and reduce the need to extract aggregates from natural resources.

The current status

The aggregates from inert waste quality protocol is under review.

The revised draft end of waste criteria (quality protocol) for the production of aggregates from inert waste was released to a six week public UK consultation on Tuesday 22 March 2011.  This consultation is now closed.  Download our response to the consultation from the link below:

Aggregates from construction, demolition and excavation waste were originally examined by WRAP, the Highways Agency and the aggregates industry (MPA) in conjunction with us in 2004 and a protocol was produced.

This work opened the way for the current Waste Protocols Project which has enhanced quality protocol methodologies.
 
As we progress this quality protocol we will update this page.

Get involved

For more information on how to get involved please email wasteprotocols@environment-agency.gov.uk

More information

For extensive information on recycled and secondary aggregates you can also visit WRAP’s AggRegain website.

For information on resource efficiency in construction including the voluntary initiative to halve the amount of construction waste going to landfill by 2012 see WRAP’s construction waste recovery pages.

If you would like further help, please email wasteprotocols@environment-agency.gov.uk